Reusable Menstrual Discharge Collection Device

ABSTRACT

A reusable menstrual discharge collection device is described comprising: a continuous single piece article that forms a menstrual discharge disc-shaped collection device with a half spherical dome catch where the half spherical dome catch includes a continuous top and bottom portion, and wherein the continuous top portion is attached to a continuous flexible hinge that is placed along an entire circumferential upper portion of the half spherical dome catch and wherein the hinge also forms a base for and is connected to a 360 degree continuous rim section such that the hinge allows the continuous rim section to be in both an inverted use position/configuration that allows movement of the rim section toward the half dome spherical catch allowing for adjustability to fit multiple cervix physiologies and the elongated configuration that allows for ease of manufacturing and cleaning.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 USC §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/455,555 filed Nov. 18, 2021,entitled “Reusable Menstrual Discharge Collection Device”, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure describes a reusable menstrual disc-shaped deviceproduced from a single contiguous mold thereby providing a singlereusable menstruation disc-shaped device or “menstrual disc”.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to feminine hygiene devices, andmore particularly to a menstrual discharge collection device forcollecting menstrual discharge.

From the time after World War I, when bandages were marketed as sanitarynapkins, to the present, there have been essentially only two types ofcommercially available menstrual collection products: sanitary napkinsand tampons. Sanitary napkins, including the newer pads and shields,have the disadvantages of bulk, odor and leakage. They also presentdisposal problems, and they are sometimes detectable to others. Theirabsorbent nature can also create problems of contamination andinfection. Tampons are also disadvantageous. The basic design of thetampon does not stop leakage and the externally worn string can lead tocontamination. Tampons have fibers which irritate the vaginal mucosa,Absorptive tampons can also contribute to serious infections.

Earlier art describes absorptive cup-shaped vaginal tampons. Thesedevices are bulky and difficult to use and uncomfortable to wear, andwould have the same dangers of infection presented by conventionalabsorptive tampons. Other internal menstrual discharge collectiondevices are worn in a lower region of the vaginal canal and generatesuction, particularly during removal. These devices can cause irritationand pressure, and, in rare cases these devices need to be removed by adoctor.

Further devices have rims with springs embedded therein. Such springsmake the devices unnecessarily complicated and expensive to manufacture.The exterior configurations of these devices may also cause irritationwhen worn internally. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for amenstrual discharge collection device that avoids the problemsassociated with napkins and tampons, and that is convenient,comfortable, reliable and economical.

As a result, this device would tend to twist upon compression, makinginsertion of the device difficult. All of the prior art systems would bedifficult to insert and remove, uncomfortable to wear, unreliable,and/or uneconomical to manufacture and market.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an intravaginal substancedelivery system that can be conveniently and reliably used, and that canbe used without discomfort, particularly during menses.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a single continuous menstruationdisc-shaped device designed to collect menstrual fluid during a person'smenstrual cycle. The reusable menstruation disc-shaped device isproduced from a single contiguous mold thereby providing a singlereusable menstruation disc-shaped device or “menstrual disc”. Thedisc-shaped device includes a hinge-enabled invertible rim that when inthe elongated position exposes finger loops or other gripping orpositioning features allowing for proper cleaning of the menstruationdisc-shaped device. In addition, once the menstruation disc-shapeddevice is inverted during use, it provides a configuration that allowsthe finger loops or other gripping or positioning features to remain ina “hidden” position thus allowing for both ease of insertion, properplacement, retrieval, and removal.

More specifically, the present disclosure provides for a reusablemenstrual discharge collection device, comprising:

a continuous single piece article that forms a disc-shaped menstrualdischarge collection device with a half spherical dome catch such thatthe half spherical dome catch includes a continuous top and bottomportion, wherein the continuous top portion is attached to a continuousflexible hinge that is placed along an entire circumferential upperportion of the half spherical dome catch and wherein the hinge alsoforms a base for and is connected to a 360 degree continuous rim sectionsuch that the hinge allows the continuous rim section to be in aninverted use position that allows movement of the rim section toward thehalf dome spherical catch such that the menstrual discharge collectiondevice provides adjustability and ease of extraction with a requiredflexibility so that the menstrual discharge collection device fitsmultiple cervix physiologies.

This reusable menstrual discharge collection device includes anelongated configuration that provides for both ease of manufacturing andfor cleaning said menstrual discharge collection device after use.

Here the rim section also provides at least two finger loops that areattached to the rim section and wherein the finger loops are retractablein that the finger loops wrap into an underside of the continuous 360degree rim when the menstrual discharge collection device is in aninverted shape before, during, and after utilization.

The device is a menstrual disc-shaped device that also functions as ashallow cup.

The device is formed as a single article in a single mold that processesinjection molded high temperature resistant thermoplastic rubber.

The rim section of said discharge collection device has a Shore Ahardness of at least 35 durometer.

The half spherical dome catch is collapsible so as to be enclosed withinthe rim section when the device is in a use position.

The reusable menstrual discharge collection device of wherein the rimsection has rounded edges.

The half spherical dome catch is collapsible so that the half sphericaldome catch is enclosed within the rim section during use, and whereinthe device is folded into a teardrop-like position that provides greaterease of insertion than conventional menstrual discharge collectiondevices.

Here it is also possible to provide an absorbent and antimicrobialsubstance is infused into the half spherical dome catch and moreprecisely within a bottom portion of the half spherical dome catch, andwherein a distance between the bottom portion of the reservoir and therim is no less than approximately thirty millimeters when the reservoiris in the device-shaped configuration.

In addition, the rim section is an elastomeric rim section that togetherwith the half spherical dome catch defines a first generally circularconfiguration for creating a collection space for collecting menstrualdischarge, the rim section being compressible from the firstconfiguration to a second generally teardrop-shaped configuration forinsertion of the menstrual discharge collection device into position foruse, wherein diametrically opposed portions of the rim section are incontact with each other when the rim section is in the secondconfiguration, and wherein the rim section is capable of self-restoringfrom the second configuration to the first configuration, and whereinthe rim section has a height, and a thickness, and wherein the rimsection is formed of a high temperature resistant injection moldedthermoplastic rubber; and wherein the rim section is formed of liquidsilicone rubber.

Often, the device is entirely formed with liquid silicone rubber.

In addition, there are methods of using the menstrual devices describedabove. One such method includes using a reusable menstrual dischargecollection device, comprising: providing a continuous single piecearticle that forms a disc-shaped device with a half spherical domecatch, the half spherical dome catch includes a continuous top andbottom portion, wherein the continuous top portion is attached to acontinuous flexible hinge that is placed along an entire circumferentialupper portion of the half spherical dome catch and wherein the hingealso forms a base for and is connected to a 360 degree continuous rimsection such that the hinge allows the continuous rim section to be inan inverted use position that allows movement of the rim section towardthe half dome spherical catch while providing movement and adjustabilityto fit multiple cervix configurations and an elongated configurationthat allows ease of cleaning and manufacturing and;

wherein the user inserts their fingers while holding a foldedteardrop-shaped configuration of the disc-shaped device into theirvagina and continue insertion in order to allow pushing the device untilthe device reaches a fornix of the user and such that a part of the 360degree continuous rim section of the device is reachable with the user'sfinger(s) thereby allowing for tucking the device under a pubic bone ofthe user.

Using this method it is possible to ensure that the menstrual discshaped device is tucked under the pubic bone the device is in a properpreferred location.

In addition, the menstrual disc shaped device can be folded into ateardrop shape prior to insertion thereby providing a smallest possibleshape for easier and more comfortable insertion than has previously beenpossible.

It is also an object of this disclosure to provide menstruationdisc-shaped devices that are produced from a high temperature resistantthermoplastic elastomeric material, for example silicone rubber(s),fluorinated elastomers, and other high temperature resistant polymerscapable of withstanding at least 100 C (for example, the boilingtemperature of water). The polymer and/or polymer blend and/or polymercomposite, must be able to withstand repeated thermal cycles of boilingliquids (most often water).

Menstrual disc-shaped devices can be created from any safe, acceptableelastomer. Platinum cured medical grade liquid silicone rubber is thepreferred material.

In a further embodiment, additional alternative finger loopconfigurations are also provided. These finger loops can include acircumferential band or stem and loop design.

In another embodiment a polymer is provided (and often an elastomericthermoset or thermoplastic polymer) that and can withstand at least onerepeated usage of boiling water during the sanitization process and inthis case the design will often function so that the product can provideat least 365 uses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the continuous, single piece article of a menstrualdisc-shaped cup in the inverted use configuration.

FIG. 2 provides a cross sectional cut view of the menstrual disc-shapedcup in its inverted use configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates the underside of the menstrual disc-shaped device inits inverted use position revealing a series of integrated attachedloops.

FIG. 4 offers an isometric top view of the menstrual disc-shaped devicein its inverted use position revealing a top view of the continuous 360degree hinge and 360 degree rim.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the menstrual disc-shaped device in itsextended or elongated configuration.

FIG. 6 offers a cross sectional cut view of the menstrual disc-shapeddevice in its elongated configuration.

FIG. 7 depicts the menstrual disc-shaped device in its elongatedconfiguration depicting an alternative circumferential finger loopelement.

FIG. 8 depicts the menstrual disc-shaped device in its elongatedconfiguration depicting an alternative stem and ring loop

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of a menstrual disc-shaped devicein its inverted use configuration having a rim interrupted by grippingindentations or protrusions.

FIG. 10 offers a cross sectional cut view of the menstrual disc-shapeddevice in its inverted use configuration where the rim is interrupted bygripping indentations or protrusions.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of a menstrual disc-shaped devicein its inverted use configuration where the rim is interrupted bygripping through holes or protrusions.

FIG. 12 offers a cross sectional cut view of the menstrual disc-shapeddevice in its inverted use configuration where the rim is interrupted bygripping through holes or protrusions.

FIG. 13 provides a cross-sectional view of the location and position ofthe menstrual cup shaped device in the uterine canal to show thedifference between cup and disc locations.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the position of themenstrual disc as it relates to the cervix and fornix to show thedifference between cup and disc locations.

FIG. 15 illustrates one method of holding the menstrual disc shapeddevice folded in a teardrop shape prior to insertion.

FIG. 16 illustrates the tear drop shape of the menstrual disc shapeddevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of representing the principles of the disclosure andassociated invention, reference will now be made to the drawings andspecific language will be used to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device and such further application ofthe principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art areincluded as part of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows the continuous, single piece article of a menstrualdisc-shaped device (100) in the inverted “use configuration” comprisedof a generally half spherical, thin, flexible, dome shaped catch (120)section that leads to and includes the continuous flexible hinge (140)which facilitates the continuous 360 degree rim (160) shown in themenstrual disc-shaped device (100) use position encompassing the upperparts of the dome shaped catch (120) feature.

FIG. 2 provides a cross sectional view of the menstrual disc-shapeddevice (100) also shown in its inverted “use configuration”. This imagemore clearly illustrates how the 360 degree hinge (140) enables the rim(160) to invert back towards the dome shaped catch (120). Two of thefinger loop (180) elements can be partially seen in this cross sectionalview on the underside of the 360 degree rim (160) of the menstrualdisc-shaped device (100) as shown.

FIG. 3 illustrates the underside of the menstrual disc-shaped device(100) in its inverted “use configuration” position revealing moreclearly a series of integrated attached loops (180) that wrap theunderside of the 360 degree rim (160) of the menstrual disc-shapeddevice (100).

FIG. 4 offers an isometric top view of the menstrual disc-shaped device(100) in its inverted “use configuration” position more clearlyrevealing a top view of the continuous 360 degree hinge (140) and 360degree rim (160). The finger loop (180) elements are concealed on theunderside of the 360 degree rim (160) in the menstrual disc-shapeddevice (100).

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the menstrual disc-shaped device (100) inan elongated configuration. This elongated configuration is optimal forcleaning and manufacturing of the menstrual disc-shaped device (100).The finger loops (180) are formed and attached to the outside of the 360degree rim (160). The domed shaped catch (120) is attached as a singlearticle to the continuous flexible integrated hinge (140) which isattached as a portion of and transitions to the 360 degree rim (160)that connects to the series of finger loops (180) so that all four majorelements (120, 140, 160, and 180) comprise a single menstrualdisc-shaped device (100) device.

FIG. 6 offers a cross sectional view of the menstrual disc-shaped device(100) in its elongated configuration. The thin flexible dome shape catch(120) is contiguous with and leads toward the 360 degree flexible hinge(140) which connects to the much thicker 360 degree rim (160). Thethicker 360 degree rim (160) provides for and leads to the positioningof the multiple finger loops (180) which completes this version of themenstrual disc-shaped device (100) in its elongated configuration.

FIG. 7 depicts the menstrual disc-shaped device (100) in its elongatedconfiguration with the domed shaped catch (120) attached to thecontinuous flexible integrated hinge (140) which provides for andtransitions to the 360 degree rim (160). Here, the 360 degree rim (160),connects to an alternative circumferential finger loop element (720).The circumferential finger loop element (720) wraps around to theunderside of the rim (160) when the menstrual disc-shaped device isplaced in its inverted use condition. These same four major elements(120, 140, 160, and 180) comprise a single menstrual disc-shaped device(100) device.

FIG. 8 depicts the menstrual disc-shaped device (100) in its elongatedconfiguration with the domed shaped catch (120) attached to thecontinuous flexible integrated hinge (140) which transitions to the 360degree rim (160) that connects to an alternative stem and ring loopelement (820). The stem and ring loop element (820) wraps to theunderside of the 360 degree rim (160) when the menstrual disc-shapeddevice is placed in its inverted “use condition”. All four majorelements (120, 140, 160, and 180) still comprise a single menstrualdisc-shaped device (100) device.

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of a menstrual disc-shaped device(100) in its inverted use configuration with the domed shaped catch(120) attached to the continuous flexible integrated hinge (140) whichtransitions to an alternate 360 degree rim (920) interrupted by grippingindentations (940) so that any gripper protrusions are imbedded in orderto remain flush along any surface of the alternate 360 degree rim (920)geometry.

FIG. 10 offers a cross sectional view of the same menstrual disc-shapeddevice (100) shown in FIG. 9 here in its inverted “use configuration”with the domed shaped catch (120) attached to the continuous flexibleintegrated hinge (140) which transitions to an alternate 360 degree rim(920) is interrupted by gripping indentations (940) or protrusionswithin the alternate geometry 360 degree rim (920) geometry.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of a menstrual disc-shaped device(100) in its inverted use configuration with the domed shaped catch(120) attached to the continuous flexible integrated hinge (140) thatallows for transitioning to an alternate 360 degree rim (1120)interrupted by gripping through holes (1140) so that any gripperprotrusions (1140) are imbedded in order to remain flush along anysurface of the alternate 360 degree rim (1120) geometry.

FIG. 12 offers a cross sectional view of the menstrual disc-shapeddevice (100) in its inverted “use configuration” with the domed shapedcatch (120) attached to the continuous flexible integrated hinge (140)that transitions to an alternate 360 degree rim (1120) interrupted bygripping through holes (1140) so that any gripper protrusions (1140) areimbedded in order to remain flush along any surface of the alternate 360degree rim (1120) geometry

The disc-shaped menstrual up device comprises at least four (4) majorfeatures offered in one complete, continuous menstruation disc-shapeddevice. These at least four features include; a catch, hinge, a rim, andfinger loop(s). These four featured elements are further describedbelow:

1) The catch provided is a thin-walled, flexible, pliable section of thedevice that provides a comfortable, dome-shaped element which functionsas a device to catch and store menstrual fluid.

2) The hinge connects with the catch to provide a “built-in” livinghinge arrangement which is a portion of the hinge that connects the thinflexible catch to an inverted rim. The hinge provides an ability tomanufacture the rim such that elongation of the menstrual disc designand applied configuration eliminates the possibility of troublesomeundercuts to facilitate ease of manufacturing.

The elongated configuration of the menstrual disc-shaped device alsoprovides for finger loops to be easily added to the mold cavity andstill allow a simple and reproducible manufacturing process resulting inthe final product. The “living” hinge enables the rim to be invertedinto a more conventional “use” or “usable” configuration. As themenstrual disc-shaped device is placed in an “inverted rim” or “in useconfiguration” or position, the menstrual disc-shaped device can beeffectively positioned over the cervix. This “living” hinge also allowsthe user/menstruator to flip the rim back up, into the elongatedconfiguration, for ease of cleaning, after removal and draining. Thishinge feature enables the user to easily clean the menstrual disc-shapeddevice by allowing for exposure of all surfaces to running water and/orboiling water during washing cycles to assure proper sanitation. Thesewashing cycles can be performed automatically in an automaticdishwasher.

3) The rim is optimized in order to provide the radial tear and tensilestrength necessary so that the device can open easily and safely oncethe device is located beneath the cervix. The rim is designed to providethe necessary flexibility by ensuring proper flexural strength so thatthe device can be pinched by the user into a teardrop shape for easyvaginal insertion and location. This procedure is known as “folding”.The 360-degree rim and associated geometry offers a major advantage overconventional designs for ease of removal. Other menstrual disc-shapeddevices rotate while in use. The menstrual disc-shaped device without acomplete 360 degree rim and multiple pull loop locations can bedifficult to grip and extract.

The “use configuration” provides a menstruation disc-shaped device thatincludes the rim in a “flipped” or inverted position that is directedtoward the catch, allowing the menstrual disc-shaped device to beinserted for use.

When the menstrual disc-shaped device is shown in FIG. 5 in itselongated configuration the rimmed portion includes attached multiplefinger loops on the outside portion of the rim. The menstrualdisc-shaped device as provided and shown in a cross sectional view inFIG. 2 in its use or inverted rim configuration, the attached multiplefinger loops can be wrapped or otherwise folded toward the underside ofthe rim. The loops further aid the menstrual disc-shaped device user inlocating and removing the menstrual disc.

In an additional embodiment, alternate configurations of the rim can bemanufactured to provide indentions, protrusions and/or“through-orifices” in order to allow the user to more easily grip thedisc-shaped device for insertion, repositioning, or removal. Invertingthe rim configures the disc to provide a flexible, softer part of thedisc so that the disc can be positioned in a more proximate location tothe cervical area.

4) Multiple finger loops can be finger loops that are integrated intothe rim geometry so that when the menstrual disc-shaped device is in theinverted use condition these further enhance the user/menstruator'sability to grip the rim by hooking their finger in a finger loop foreasier removal even if the menstrual disc-shaped device has rotated.During use the finger loops are recessed and flush with the surfaces ofthe disc-shaped device. Previous designs provided the tethers attachedon the outside of the rim, which greatly increased the chance of thetether irritating the menstruator.

Menstruators are people that come in all shapes and sizes, withdifferent cervix heights and preferred menstrual device or disc-likegeometries. The menstrual disc-shaped device described herein can bemodified for different diameters and catch configurations to meet theneeds for different users.

The most common method of manufacturing the menstrual disc-shaped deviceis by injection, transfer, or compression molding which enables themenstrual disc-shaped device be molded in an elongated “wind-sock”shaped design followed by removal and subsequent inversion to create thefinal rim detail.

Thermoplastics and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) plastics are eitherorganic or semi-organic (if inorganic fillers or inorganic monomers andpolymers are used) materials that have (as their main attribute)relatively high tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strengthdue to their high molecular weights. Most engineers and manufacturersconsider LSR's as thermosets in that they normally cannot be reused tomake the same product. Alternatively, thermoplastics often allow the useof regrind during molding and extrusion operations. For the presentdisclosure the menstrual disc-shaped device is produced using one ormore polymers that may include any of moldable thermosets,thermoplastics and/or elastomers. The list of possibilities includesthousands of variations of these polymers which includes polymer blends,composites, dual layered polymer systems, and also a large number ofpossible fillers to complete the product.

Smooth surfaces and transitions of the menstrual disc-shaped device arerequired to minimize the potential for irritation, facilitate cleaning,and ease of manufacturability.

The boiling water can be heated with one or more heating devicesselected from the group consisting of ovens, stovetops, microwaves,wood-burning or other energy sourced stoves, infrared burners, soniccontainers, and solar devices. In some cases, dishwashers and/orautoclaves can be used for cleaning and sanitizing purposes.

Working Example

FIGS. 13 and 14 demonstrate how the devices of the present disclosureare utilized in practice. FIG. 13 shows that both the menstrual cup(1360) and menstrual disc (100) collect menstrual fluids and can be wornfor up to 12 hours, however their location and use varies slightly.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the menstrual cup (1360) is located/placed lowerin the vaginal canal (1350) usually within an inch of the opening of thevagina. It uses the muscular structure of the vaginal walls to create aseal and prevent leaks.

FIG. 14 reveals the menstrual disc (100) positioned higher up in thevaginal canal (1350) in the fornix (1310), and sits directly below thecervix (1330). The menstrual disc (100) is tucked behind the pubic bone(1340) and uses the vaginal walls in the fornix (1310) to create a seal.The menstrual disc (100) differs from the menstrual cup (1360) in thatthe user can use the menstrual disc (100) during sexual intercourse.

As stated above, FIG. 15 illustrates one method of holding the menstrualdisc shaped device folded in a teardrop shape prior to insertion, whileFIG. 16 illustrates the tear drop shape of the menstrual disc shapeddevice.

FIG. 15 shows how the menstrual disc will be held in the hand (1520)while folded in the teardrop shape (1510). Here the menstrual disc (100)is in the “pinched configuration”. The user would then insert theirfingers with the folded pinched configuration disc (1510) into theirvagina and continue to push it in as far as possible until it reachesthe fornix (1310) of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 and opens. The part of the rimthat the user can reach with their finger gets tucked under the pubicbone (1340) of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 . Once the menstrual disc (100) ofFIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is tucked under the pubic bone (1340), it is in theproper preferred location.

FIG. 16 indicates what and how the menstrual discs (100) are folded intothe teardrop shape (1510) prior to insertion. The pinched top of themenstrual discs (100) are folded and pinched into a teardrop shape(1510) that provides for the menstrual disc (100) to achieve thesmallest possible shape for easier and more comfortable insertion thanhas previously been possible. The teardrop shape for the menstrual discsfolded in teardrop shape (1510) as shown differs from other figure-8shaped alternate possible shapes that created much larger, moreuncomfortable, and sometimes impossible shapes that could be used forinsertion into the vaginal canal.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reusable menstrual discharge collection device,comprising: a continuous single piece article that forms a disc-shapedmenstrual discharge collection device with a half spherical dome catchsuch that said half spherical dome catch includes a continuous top andbottom portion, wherein said continuous top portion is attached to acontinuous flexible hinge that is placed along an entire circumferentialupper portion of said half spherical dome catch and wherein said hingealso forms a base for and is connected to a 360 degree continuous rimsection such that said hinge allows said continuous rim section to be inan inverted use position that allows movement of said rim section towardsaid half dome spherical catch such that said menstrual dischargecollection device provides adjustability and ease of extraction with arequired flexibility so that said menstrual discharge collection devicefits multiple cervix physiologies.
 2. The reusable menstrual dischargecollection device of claim 1, wherein said device includes an elongatedconfiguration that provides for both ease of manufacturing and forcleaning said menstrual discharge collection device after use.
 3. Thereusable menstrual discharge collection device of claim 1, wherein saidrim section also provides at least two finger loops that are attached tosaid rim section and wherein said finger loops are retractable in thatsaid finger loops wrap into an underside of said continuous 360 degreerim when said menstrual discharge collection device is in inverted useshape.
 4. The reusable menstrual discharge collection device of claim 1,wherein said device is a menstrual disc-shaped device that functions asa shallow cup.
 5. The reusable menstrual discharge collection device ofclaim 1, wherein said device is formed as a single article in a singlemold that processes injection molded high temperature resistantthermoplastic rubber.
 6. The reusable menstrual discharge collectiondevice of claim 4, wherein said rim section of said discharge collectiondevice has a Shore A hardness of at least
 35. 7. The reusable menstrualdischarge collection device of claim 1, wherein said half spherical domecatch is collapsible so as to be enclosed within said rim section whensaid device is in a use position.
 8. The reusable menstrual dischargecollection device of claim 1, wherein said rim section has roundededges.
 9. The reusable menstrual discharge collection device of claim 1,wherein said half spherical dome catch is collapsible so that said halfspherical dome catch is enclosed within said rim section during use, andwherein said menstrual discharge device is foldable into a teardrop-like position that provides greater ease of insertion thanconventional menstrual discharge collection devices.
 10. The reusablemenstrual discharge collection device of claim 9, wherein an absorbentand antimicrobial substance is infused into said half spherical domecatch and more precisely within a bottom portion of said half sphericaldome catch, and wherein a distance between said bottom portion of saidreservoir and said rim is no less than approximately thirty millimeterswhen said reservoir is in said device-shaped configuration.
 11. Thereusable menstrual discharge collection device of claim 10, wherein apharmaceutical or other medically active substance is infused into saidhalf spherical dome catch and more precisely within a bottom portion ofsaid half spherical dome catch, and wherein a distance between saidbottom portion of said reservoir and said rim is no less thanapproximately thirty millimeters when said reservoir is in saiddevice-shaped configuration.
 12. The reusable menstrual dischargecollection device of claim 1, wherein said rim section is an elastomericrim section that together with said half spherical dome catch defines afirst generally circular configuration for creating a collection spacefor collecting menstrual discharge, said rim section being compressiblefrom said first configuration to a second generally tear drop-shapedconfiguration for insertion of said menstrual discharge collectiondevice into position for use, wherein diametrically opposed portions ofsaid rim section are in contact with each other when said rim section isin said second configuration, and wherein said rim section is capable ofself-restoring from said second configuration to said firstconfiguration, and wherein said rim section has a height, and athickness, and wherein said rim section is formed of a high temperatureresistant injection molded thermoplastic rubber; and wherein said rimsection is formed of liquid silicone rubber.
 13. The reusable menstrualdischarge collection device of claim 12, wherein said device is entirelyformed with liquid silicone rubber.
 14. A method of using a reusablemenstrual discharge collection device, comprising: providing acontinuous single piece article that forms a disc-shaped device with ahalf spherical dome catch, said half spherical dome catch includes acontinuous top and bottom portion, wherein said continuous top portionis attached to a continuous flexible hinge that is placed along anentire circumferential upper portion of said half spherical dome catchand wherein said hinge also forms a base for and is connected to a 360degree continuous rim section such that said hinge allows saidcontinuous rim section to be in an inverted use position that allowsmovement of said rim section toward said half dome spherical catch whileproviding movement and adjustability to fit multiple cervixconfigurations and an elongated configuration that allows ease ofcleaning and manufacturing and; wherein said user inserts their fingerswhile holding a folded teardrop-shaped configuration of said disc-shapeddevice into their vagina and continue insertion in order to allowpushing said device until said device reaches a fornix of said user andsuch that a part of said 360 degree continuous rim section of saiddevice is reachable with said user's finger(s) thereby allowing fortucking said device under a pubic bone of said user.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein once said menstrual discharge collection disc shapeddevice is tucked under said pubic bone said device is in a properpreferred location.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said menstrualdischarge collection disc shaped device is folded into a teardrop shapeprior to insertion thereby providing a smallest possible shape foreasier and more comfortable insertion than previous menstrual devices.